The six men, who have a long history of armed involvement against the Malian state, were all accused of "acts of terrorism," "financing terrorism," "undermining territorial integrity," and "criminal conspiracy."
They were already on a list of people targeted in an investigation by the Malian judiciary on the same grounds announced at the end of November.
A statement from the economy ministry dated March 8 froze for a minimum of six months "the assets and economic resources" of Iyad Ag Ghali, head of the al-Qaida-linked coalition Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), and Amadou Kouffa, leader of the Katiba Macina, another al-Qaida-affiliated group.
Four other men, who are leaders of the Tuareg separatist rebellion that took up arms against the Malian state last year, were targeted by sanctions.
Alghabass Ag Intalla, Bilal Ag Acherif, Fahad Ag Almahmoud and Achafagui Ag Bouhada were also described as members or allies of the GSIM.
The practical implications of freezing their assets are unclear.
Mali has since 2012 been ravaged by different groups affiliated to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, as well as by self-declared self-defense forces and bandits.
The country has been under military rule since back to back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the security situation compounded by a profound humanitarian and political crisis.
The Tuareg-dominated separatists, who signed a peace agreement in 2015, resumed hostilities in the north last year.
Mali Freezes Assets of Separatists, Islamic Militant Leaders
FILE— In this July 27, 2013 photo, Malian Tuareg soldiers loyal to Col. Major El-Hadj Gamou listen during a visit by Mali's army chief of staff in Kidal, Mali.
BAMAKO—Mali's ruling junta has imposed financial sanctions on two jihadist leaders and four heads of the Tuareg separatist rebellion, according to a document seen by AFP on Wednesday.